Cleanup Tool Ads

If you are using the Chrome browser and have recently noticed some Cleanup Tool ads, do not hurry to follow the recommendation displayed. Windows users have got a chance to put their hands on the Chrome Cleanup Tool which, according to Google, detects suspicious or unwanted programs and offers to remove them from the computer. Internet schemers decided to make use of the name of the legitimate application and created a deceptive pop-up advertisement inviting unsuspected users to install a fake program presented as the Chrome Cleanup Tool. For this reason, whenever you are using Chrome, be aware of a possible hoax related to the new product.

The Chrome browser can invite the user to install the application if Chrome notices that there is something unusual about the system's performance. For example, it could be some unexpected crashes, advertisements or browser toolbar. Interestingly, the Chrome Cleanup Tool is powered to solve issues on all browsers, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla, and Edge. The Google Chrome web page presenting the program features a list of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and adware programs that have already been removed by this application.

As to the fake Cleanup Tool ads, they do the same thing as the legitimate pop-ups – inform about threats on the computer. Both cases tells the truth, but the fake pop-ups lead to the installation of a malware downloader, which may install multiple malicious programs, depending on the schemers' will. It was found that the fake Cleanup Tool ads can install either official22.0.0_2.msi or chrome_cleanup_tool.1494362741040.msi. The MSI files are Microsoft Windows installer package files containing data for app installation. Such files are also used for storage and removal of programs. Soon after a malware downloader is dropped, another malicious program can be installed. Importantly, the range of possible downloads is infinite. You cannot know what program you will get and how damaging it is going to be. Moreover, that unwanted program is installed silently, without your interference. If no antimalware program is running on the PC, you may not suspect that some dangerous software is running on the computer, unless you notice visual evidence of its presence. For example, it could be pop-up and in-text advertisements, as in the case of FastFreshTabs, which can be installed after interacting with the deceptive Cleanup Tool ads. The FastFreshTabs software is categorized as a PUP, which in general means that it can be distributed alongside other programs, not necessary downloaded by official22.0.0_2.msi or chrome_cleanup_tool.1494362741040.msi. Our advice is to disregard the Cleanup Tools ads and, when it is too late to ignore them, remove the malware downloader and all the programs associated with it.

So how not to get tricked by these fake Cleanup Tools? If you want to try Chrome's product, you should access its official website so that you can download a legitimate program. The fake Cleanup Tool ads can be displayed on malicious websites or by adware programs running on the computer. A legitimate pop-up would also appear on the screen when an suspicious program is noticed on the PC, which leads to a conclusion that it is much better to trust the official source of the promoted program than the pop-ups promoting it.

In order to prevent similar incidents in the future, it is worth paying more attention to your online privacy. It is absolutely advisable to bypass questionable website promoting unknown software as such websites can cause long-term damage to your computer. If you do not want to risk your usernames, passwords, and other valuable data that could become a target of cyber criminals, take action right now to protect yourself while you are connected to the web.

When it comes to malware removal, it is always advisable to rely on a reputable security program. In case you want to remove the malware downloader manually, move down to the instructions to find locations that should be checked. Please note that you delete files at your own risk, but if you want to be sure that your computer is malware-free, we welcome your choice to scan the system with our recommended antimalware program.

How to remove the malicious downloader

If your downloads are saved to the desktop, remove the malicious .msi file from the desktop.

In case your downloads are saved to other locations, check the Downloads and Temp folders by pressing Win+R and typing downloads and %Temp% respectively. Press Enter.